The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, where the Los Angeles Rams hold the 26th overall pick. While they’ve already added several potential impact players in free agency, now the Rams have a chance to find more long-time franchise cornerstones.
The Rams have done a great job of identifying talented prospects in recent draft classes. Can general manager Les Snead strike again?
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer speculated on a trio of potential first-round draft targets for the Rams, naming a cornerback, linebacker, and a tight end.
“The team has significant needs at the three positions listed (CB, ILB, QB)—and yet very little history of drafting those spots. Since Sean McVay was hired in 2017, the Rams have spent just one top-100 pick on a corner, off-ball linebacker or quarterback. That was on a ’19 third-rounder, who never became a full-time starter for the team. So maybe this is the year? Maxwell Hairston would be a fit. And if you’re looking for an off-ball linebacker, Jihaad Campbell is a hybrid who might make sense. But I have my eye on Starks, because of his smarts and the versatility he could bring to Chris Shula’s defense. Another name to watch, and maybe even in a short move up, could be Colston Loveland, a year after the team tried and failed to move up to land Bowers (Taylor could be a Round 2 fit as well).”
SI’s Albert Breer on the Rams
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Hairston ran the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks at the combine, showing his blistering speed with a time clocked at 4.28 seconds. He’d take over as a new potential CB1 in Chris Shula’s defense.
However, Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is another intriguing prospect thanks to his experience manning the middle of the defense as well as rushing off the edge.
Lastly, tight end Colston Loveland has the potential to be the best tight end Sean McVay has had as head coach of the Rams, giving Matthew Stafford a 6-foot-6 red zone threat who can slice up the middle of the field.
No matter what, the Rams will have a chance to add a Day One contributor, much like we’ve seen with the recent selections of Jared Verse, Braden Fisk, and Puka Nacua.
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